Guangdong top attractions and best sightseeings

When talking about the special economic zone bustling metropolis places in China, undoubtedly Guangdong stands out as a shining star. Guangdong, nestled along the longest coastline on China's mainland, and steeped in history and natural beauty, boasts a myriad of attractions that cater to all tourists tastes.

From the towering skyscrapers and vibrant cityscapes of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, to the serene temples, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Kaiping Diaolou and lush gardens of its ancient towns, Guangdong offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Whether exploring the bustling markets, indulging in the exquisite Cantonese cuisine, or marveling at the breathtaking karst landscapes of Danxia Mountain, Guangdong promises an unforgettable journey filled with diversity and wonder.

Top 1: Canton Tower / Guangzhou

The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou Tower, is an illustrious landmark of Guangzhou, soaring majestically into the sky. It embodies the progressive spirit and innovation of Guangdong. Standing at 600 meters (1,969 feet), it is one of the tallest towers in the world and was completed in 2010. The tower's unique shape, with a broad base and a slender waist, has earned it the nickname "Little Waist.

The tower has several observation decks, including the Main Observation Deck, the Outdoor Observation Deck, and the Sky Drop, which is a free-fall ride from the top of the tower. There is also a rotating restaurant, known as the Canton Tower Revolving Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the city.

The tower was designed by the Dutch architectural firm, Information Based Architecture, and was constructed by Guangzhou New Television Tower Group. It has won numerous awards for its design, including the CTBUH Skyscraper Award and the IStructE Award for Commercial or Retail Structures.

The Canton Tower has become a popular tourist attraction in Guangzhou and has been used as a venue for several events, including the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games.

Tips:

After purchasing tickets, security checks are required for entry. Water, food, and flammable or explosive items are not allowed and can be stored at the security check area.

After collecting the tickets, you must enter the tower within 2 hours, or the ticket will automatically become invalid.

• Open Hours: 09:30-22:30
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours
• Address: No. 222, Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou

Top 2: Chen Clan Academy / Guangzhou

The Chen Family Temple, also known as the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, is a historic temple complex located in Guangzhou. Built during the late 19th century, the temple is a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture, characterized by its intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and traditional courtyard design.

Originally built as a place for the Chen family to worship their ancestors, the temple is now open to the public as a museum showcasing traditional Lingnan culture and art. Visitors can explore the various halls and courtyards, which feature exhibits of ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and folk art.

One of the most striking features of the temple is its magnificent carved woodwork. The temple is adorned with more than 500 intricate wooden carvings, depicting a variety of scenes from Chinese folklore, mythology, and daily life. The carvings are so detailed and elaborate that they are considered to be some of the finest examples of Lingnan wood carving in China.

Another highlight of the temple is its collection of stone carvings, which include a variety of elaborate reliefs and sculptures. Visitors can also see the temple's ancestral tablets, which list the names and achievements of the Chen family's ancestors over the past 800 years.

The Chen Family Temple is a fascinating cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Guangdong Province. It is easily accessible from central Guangzhou, and guided tours are available in English and other languages.

• Open Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours
• Address: Liwan District of Guangzhou.

Top 3: Temple of the Six Banyan Trees /Guangzhou

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as the Liurong Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Guangzhou. It was originally built in 537 during the Liang Dynasty and has undergone several renovations over the centuries.

One of the most notable features of the temple is its pagoda, which is also known as the Flower Pagoda. The pagoda was originally built in 1097 and stands at a height of 57 meters. It has thirteen stories and is adorned with beautiful carvings and Buddhist images.

The temple is also home to a large number of cultural relics and Buddhist artifacts, including statues, paintings, and scriptures. One of the most famous relics in the temple is the wooden statue of the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin, which is over six meters tall and is one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in China.

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the most important Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. It has played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in the region and continues to be a significant center of Buddhist worship and culture.

• Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Tour Length: 1 hours
• Address: No. 87, Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

Top 4: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a historic landmark located in Guangzhou. It was built in 1931 as a memorial to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China and a pivotal figure in the country's political history. The memorial hall is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of China's most revered historical figures.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is an impressive building, featuring traditional Chinese architectural elements combined with modern design. The hall is situated in a large park, which includes a number of gardens, pavilions, and lakes.

Inside the memorial hall, visitors can see a variety of exhibits related to the life and accomplishments of Sun Yat-sen. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and artifacts related to Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary activities, as well as his personal life and philosophy. Visitors can also see a replica of Sun Yat-sen's office and living quarters, giving them a sense of what life was like for the man himself.

One of the most striking features of the memorial hall is the large bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen, which stands at the center of the main hall. The statue is surrounded by a number of murals and sculptures, depicting scenes from Sun Yat-sen's life and the history of modern China.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a fascinating cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a chance to learn about one of China's most important political figures. The hall is easily accessible from central Guangzhou, and guided tours are available in English and other languages.

• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00, Ticket sales stop at 16:30; admission stops at 17:00
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours
• Address: No. 259, Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

Top 5: Foshan Ancestral Temple/ Foshan

Foshan Ancestral Temple, located in the Chancheng District of Foshan City, was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1078-1085). It is a folk museum that combines the architectural art of the Ming and Qing dynasties with Foshan's traditional culture. During Chinese traditional holidays, locals will pay respects and pray for blessings in the temple. The temple features a group of ancient buildings, the Confucius Temple, the Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, the Ip Man Museum, and more. In addition to the traditional Lingnan architecture, the most captivating aspect of the Ancestral Temple is its exhibitions on Foshan martial arts, which attract many martial arts enthusiasts.

• Open Hours: 8:30-18:00 Stop selling tickets: 17:30
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours
• Address: No. 21, Zumiao Road, Chancheng District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province

Top 6: Xiqiao Mountain / Foshan

Xiqiao Mountain is located about 38 kilometers from Foshan City. Known for its magnificent landscapes, the mountain features high peaks, serene lakes, and majestic waterfalls. It has long been one of the important sacred sites for Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

The most famous attractions in the mountain are Baiyun Cave, Yunquan Fairy House and Baofeng Temple. On the mountain stands a 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin, the largest in the country, which took 26 years to complete. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural atmosphere of this remarkable place.

• Open Hours: 7:30-17:30 Scenic area sightseeing cableway and tourist bus operation hours: 8:00-17:30
• Tour Length: 2-3hours
• Address: Shannan Road, Huanshan Avenue, Xiqiao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City

Top 7: Kaiping Diaolou / Jiangmen

The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages were inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List on June 28th, 2007, becoming the 35th UNESCO World Heritage Site in China. It is located in Kaiping, Guangdong. It refers to a group of fortified multi-storey towers, known as diaolou, that were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The diaolou served as watchtowers, defensive buildings, and housing for wealthy families.

The Kaiping Diaolou and Villages feature a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, reflecting the influence of overseas Chinese who returned to their homeland after making their fortune abroad. The diaolou are made of reinforced concrete, brick, and stone, and are decorated with intricate carvings, murals, and colored glass.

There are 1,833 diaolou scattered across Kaiping and the surrounding villages, making it the largest and best-preserved cluster of diaolou in China. Some of the most famous diaolou include the Majianglong Diaolou Cluster, the Zili Village Diaolou Cluster, and the Jinjiangli Diaolou Cluster.

Visitors to Kaiping Diaolou can take guided tours to explore the different clusters of diaolou, as well as the surrounding villages and farmland. The local cuisine is also a highlight, featuring delicacies such as Kaiping-style chicken, salted fish, and preserved fruits.

Kaiping Diaolou is a fascinating cultural and architectural landmark, the culture of the overseas Chinese is embedded in every brick and tile of these historical buildings, allowing you to appreciate the unique charm and historical significance of the Diaolou.

• Open Hours: 10:00-22:00 Stop selling tickets: 20:00
• Tour Length: 3-4 hours
• Address: Chimelong Safari Park, Panyu District Guangzhou

Top 8: Guangji Bridge / Chaozhou

Guangji Bridge, with its unique combination of beam, floating, and arch bridge styles, is renowned alongside the Zhaozhou Bridge, Luoyang Bridge, and Lugou Bridge as one of China’s famous ancient bridges. This historic bridge, first built during the Southern Song Dynasty in the seventh year of the Qiandao reign (1171), is an important passageway outside downtown Chaozhou and a key attraction. It is also a rare example of an ancient floating bridge, where part of the structure consists of boats, making it a 'boat-linked' bridge, a design that dates back centuries. From there, you can also enjoy a scenic view of the Han River and the surrounding mountains.

• Open Hours: 10:00-17:30 Stop selling tickets: 17:00
• Tour Length: 1 hour
• Address: Opposite to Guangji Gate Tower, Huancheng East Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City

Top 9: Window of the World / Shenzhen

Window of the World" in Shenzhen is a theme park that showcases replicas of famous landmarks and cultural sites from around the globe. Located in the western part of the city, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the world’s most iconic attractions in one location. The park covers an area of approximately 480,000 square meters and features over 130 miniature models, including the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahal. Visitors can explore these landmarks while enjoying a variety of cultural performances, interactive exhibits, and themed events. "Window of the World" is a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors, providing a fascinating and educational experience for people of all ages.

• Open Hours: 9：30-21：30
• Duration : half-1day
• Address: No. 9037, Shennan Avenue, OCT, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong

Top 10: Splendid China Folk Culture Village / Shenzhen

It is vast and filled with many beautiful check-in attractions. In this extensive area, you can explore replicas of China’s master landmarks. This place is a miniature of China, with numerous famous sites and buildings replicated, most at a 1:15 scale, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. The largest replica is at a 1:1 scale (two caves from the Mogao Caves) among dozens of palaces and iconic buildings. Splendid China is like a giant three-dimensional map of China.

In China, with 55 ethnic minorities in total, you can see representations of many of them here. Twenty-five unique villages of 22 minorities have been reproduced at a 1:1 scale, allowing visitors to experience their distinct cultures and enjoy live performances. The two must-see shows, 'Legend of the Desert' and 'Oriental Neon Dress,' combine top-notch sound, light, and electric technology, presenting stunning and breathtaking scenes.

• Open Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours
• Address: No. 9003, Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Top 11: Seven Star Crags / Zhaoqing

Seven Star Crags is renowned for its karst landscape, with towering limestone peaks and picturesque lakes. The seven limestone peaks are arranged like the Big Dipper constellation, scattered across a 6.3-square-kilometer lake. Within the lake, there are mountains, inside the mountains are caves, and inside the caves are rivers. The scenery is so breathtaking that it feels like a paradise hidden within the city, making it a truly must-visit attraction.

• Open Hours: 10:00-22:00 Stop selling tickets: 20:00
• Tour Length: 1-2 days
• Address: Chimelong Safari Park, Panyu District Guangzhou

Top 12: Danxia Mountain / Shaoguan

Danxia Mountain, located in Renhua County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, covers an area of approximately 292 square kilometers. It is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and one of the world’s first Global Geoparks. The landform of Danxia Mountain is primarily composed of red sandstone, which, over hundreds of millions of years of geological changes, has undergone processes such as weathering and erosion, resulting in a variety of unique landforms.

Danxia Mountain is divided into five scenic areas: Yangyuan Stone, Changlao Peak, Xianglong Lake, Wolong Ridge, and Baoding Peak. The mountain is also home to a wealth of historical and cultural relics, including temples and palaces from the Sui and Tang dynasties, as well as cliff carvings and inscriptions.

• Open Hours: all day
• Tour Length: 1-2 days
• Address: National Highway 106, Renhua County, Shaoguan City‌12

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